NIH Guidance

This article provides information on the National Institutes of Health’s data management and sharing policy and points to important guidance and resources to aid researchers in complying with policy requirements.

Introduction

The National Institutes of Health Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy stipulates that all NIH-funded research that generates scientific data must include a plan for managing and sharing those research data alongside the metadata and documentation necessary for interpretation and reuse. With an emphasis on making data FAIR, NIH’s policy promotes increasing the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability of its funded research outputs.

Final NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing

NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy

NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy Overview

NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy Frequently Asked Questions

NIH Sample Data Management and Sharing Plans

Request Revisions to Approved NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan

NIH has provided updated guidance on requesting revisions to an approved data management and sharing plan at all phases of the award performance period. Please note that any changes made to a data management and sharing plan must be submitted for approval to your program officer before you are permitted to implement those changes.

NIH Updated Processes for Requesting Revisions to an Approved Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan

NIH RPPR Requirements

As of October 1, 2024, the NIH Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) guidance has been updated to include information on requirements for reporting on data management and sharing activities in compliance with the DMS policy.

NIH RPPR Instruction Guide (see: Section 6.3 - C.5.c Data Management and Sharing, p. 99)